I hurried along the woodland path, followed by the fat domestic in black.
Not used apparently to force his legs into rapid motion, he articulated
with the greatest difficulty in answering my next question: "How did you
know where to find me?"

"Mrs. Roylake ordered inquiries to be made, sir. The head gardener--"
There his small reserves of breath failed him.

"The head gardener saw me?"

"Yes, sir."

"When?"

"Hours ago, sir--when you went into Toller's cottage."

I troubled my fat friend with no more questions.

Returning to the house, and making polite apologies, I discovered one
more among Mrs. Roylake's many accomplishments. She possessed two
smiles--a sugary smile (with which I was already acquainted), and an acid
smile which she apparently reserved for special occasions. It made its
appearance when I led her to the luncheon table.

"Don't let me detain you," my stepmother began.

"Won't you give me some luncheon?" I inquired.

"Dear me! hav'n't you lunched already?"